No need for new ‘Sambo’ book, however beautiful
As one of the parents whose child participated in Beth Quinn’s book discussion of the new, beautifully illustrated version of “Little Black Sambo,” I weigh in on the side of those who don’t want to see the book, in its original context, republished in any form or fashion.
Those interested should also read “Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben and Rastus: Blacks in advertising, yesterday, today and tomorrow,” written by professor Marilyn Kern-Foxworth. Kern-Foxworth gives an in-depth historical account of the development and acceptance of “popular” black stereotypes here in the United States.
I understand that many believe “Little Black Sambo” is simply a children’s book, with a wonderful story and some also argue that it’s part of our classic literature and therefore should be left on library shelves and in the stores. However, if this were truly the case, and if we truly live in an ethno-pluralistic and equal opportunity society, then I should be able to find books on “Andy the Little Red Cracker Boy” or, similar tomes in Barnes & Nobles or my library. As we all know, books carrying these or similar titles with caricatures of little white children and their families don’t exist. Has anyone ever stopped to wonder why?
I’m not purposefully trying to use hurtful, denigrating words; but, if any were disturbed, or offended by the above title and/or idea, welcome to my world. It is interesting to note that in social relationships of power and disadvantage, whether the relationships are based on gender, class or ethnicity (I prefer the word “ethnicity″ to “race” — because it has been scientifically proven there is only one race — that being the “human” one); the people group with power and privilege usually cannot comprehend the complaints of the group that’s disenfranchised.
While there have been some published stereotypes on certain people groups of European descent, in this country, the negative stereotyping of white people in general has never been socially accepted, nor sanctioned.
However, people of color, whether they are black, American Indian, Latino or Asian, continually have to navigate being stereotyped by denigrating generalizations which lead to the a priori idea that “all those people are like that.”
Helen Bannerman, from past accounts, was a woman of intelligence and privilege. I’m sure she knew, or, was familiar with the names of her East Indian servants. I’m curious as to why with her, I assume, erudite vocabulary and given where her family lived at the time, she could only come up with names such as Mumbo Jumbo and Sambo (I intentionally left out the comma after Mumbo). Can we stop the ridicule, please?
I do commend Ms. Quinn and Ms. Phillips of Monhagan Middle School for taking on this project. I believe true understanding and sensitivity can only come from open and honest communication. Bearing that in mind, I paraphrase an African proverb: “Until the tiger tells the story, the story of the hunt will always end the same.” While I have not and will not make this new pictures — old story version of “Little Black Sambo” a part of my son’s library, I do intend to purchase the culturally sensitive version entitled “Sam and the Tigers” written by Julius Lester and (also beautifully) illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.
Jonette O’Kelley Miller lives in Middletown.
